‘I’ve always known’… Ian Harte says 22-year-old player who Leeds let go is actually ‘top’ class

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Ian Harte has claimed that he has “always known” that Niall Huggins is a “top player” having started representing the Wales star when he was at Leeds United – before his move to Sunderland in 2021.

Huggins is on fire for Sunderland this term. Despite, Sunderland’s form being somewhat inconsistent. He has only played 24 times at senior level for the Black Cats since joining them in the summer of 2021.

It comes after making his debut for Leeds under Marcelo Bielsa during a 4-2 loss to Arsenal, in the season Leeds finished in ninth place in the Premier League. But he left that summer, on a free transfer.

An exit that Huggins described as “frustrating”, never getting an explanation for his move during Bielsa’s era. He has since been at Sunderland, but has been injured for much of the two years on Wearside.

Coming into this season, he had played just eight times in two seasons. But this term, he has clocked up 16 outings for the senior side, starting on the left side – behind Jack Clarke. Harte is currently his agent.

Speaking to the Independent about the new Wales star, ex-Leeds defender Harte said he always knew Huggins had what it takes to reach the levels he is doing currently. He has a contract until June 2025.

“Niall’s had an amazing season so far. He’s had to be patient, he’s been injured for a year and a half. I’ve always known when he was at Leeds he is a top, top player. He can play right-back, he can left-back.

“He’s been rewarded for his form with a call-up to the Wales national team. He just needs to keep doing what he’s doing, he’s got a year and half left so we’ll have to watch this space,” Harte said on Huggins.

Ian Harte always knew Niall Huggins was a player at Leeds United

There was certainly plenty of promise there. Huggins was always a stand-out performer for the club’s U21 side, playing 18 times in a number of different positions at that level – even in the middle of the park.

Injuries have hampered his progress but in terms of potential and quality, Huggins is finally putting it into practice on the pitch. He might not wanted have left leeds – but he needed to, to realise his career.